How come my Harley puked oil?

Question

I recently aquired another Harley. I have all the receipts from "an Authorized dealer" installing a "Jazz" catch can to retrieve any expelled oil from the rocker box breathers(funny they make such a thing since Harleys don't puke oil). It pukes oil. I'd like to have some Harley riders explain. I am a preferred "metric rider". Maybe you can explain the proper way to vent a Harley rocker box such as I have done to my other Harley so it doesn't puke oil all over my girlfriends white leather pants. And so maybe I could take it to a track day and it would be legal like my other Harley instead of being a poser. The "Authorized Dealer" couldn't accomplish that. Remember.... if it's not vented properly... it WILL blow the rocker gaskets and puke even more oil. 

http://www.et-performance.com/ ?

JeffyB · Accepted Answer

If you choose to ride a Harley, with ancient technology, you'll get leaking oil. I've had 4 Hondas, 2 Kawasakis,and a Suzuki -- never had an oil problem. Hmmm.

Baron_von_Party · Answer

If the rocker box is pushing oil, then there is too much oil in the top end. Possibly a problem with the push-rod tubes being blocked, but by what? Have you pulled the covers off to look for sludging? This has been a problem with some newer oils, might want to see if it needs to be cleaned out, then run Mobil1 20W50 in it. If you picked the bike up used, maybe it was ridden hard and put away wet (and not maintained)

Firecracker . · Answer

Another reason for oil coming out the vents would be if your drain valves aren't working properly, or plugged. If it can't drain, it blows out. If you have already modified your other Harley, why ask how? 

BTW, all my Hondas leaked oil (they were old). On the other side of the coin, my HD has not lost a drop.

Edit, later: I have no clue how your catch can was plumbed, right or wrong. I never looked at one, as I have no need of it. My Harley DOES NOT "puke oil", nor does it leak.

Anonymous · Answer

what have u been smoking lately?  as long as u dont overfill the oil tank, u dont get oil blow-by.  this is just something to take ur cash and do absolutely nothing.  i've had my sportster for over 2 years and have run it pretty hard, and i have no problems with oil blow-by.

quit overfilling the oil and u wont have problems.  when changing the oil, u add oil to the oil filter first, then install filter. then with the same quart used to put oil in the new filter, put that in the tank and another 2 or 3 quarts.  it's best to check the oil when hot.  when cold,  as long as its between the hash marks on the stick, ur fine.

ozraibike · Answer

It puked oil because it is a Harley!!!!!. The best way to vent a Harley is using a rocket launcher. Get real and buy a proper bike. Anyway I thought you would be getting your girlfriend to drive the pickup truck that you need to follow you around for when it breaks down. She should only be getting oil on her pants then when she is loading up the bike while you are watching.

wild1highinvamountains · Answer

it's marking it's territory but let's get back to the white leather pants??

Motorpsycho · Answer

If you ever want to track down a group of Hardleys, just follow the oil trail ;)

greg e · Answer

try this www.hotbikeweb.com/tech/0607_hbkp_custom_harley_davidson_evo_engine/

How come my Harley puked oil?

8 Answers